Kashmir is the home of the kaftan (among other things, of course). It is a long loose robe designed to be layered over multiple rounds of warm clothing to beat the merciless chill of the mountains. This unique Indian piece of outerwear has evolved to be worn as a standalone dress, as an ethnic variety of gowns. The kaftan you see on this page is a typical Kashmiri dress - it flows loosely from the shoulders downwards, the fairy sleeves almost impossible to make out. Note how the embroidered plunging neckline reveals just a teasing bit of the decolletage.

The field of the kaftan is a moon-like silver colour. The silk of the make - the most delicate variety grown in the valley - lends it a shimmer that would make you look like some shapely sliver of the moon having descended the earth. Every bit of the embroidery that meets the eyes has been laboriously done by hand. Zoom in on the same to appreciate the perfection of the work, and the irresistible beads and sequins that complete it. This is a fine number to wear to close-knit evening gatherings, best teamed with ever-so-slightly dramatic makeup.